My Sans are dying

Cathy Cokley Shilow z8 SC

8 years ago

Are they not getting enough water? Can I repot? Change/refresh soil?

Featured Answer

robinswfl

8 years ago

No, you cannot use peat moss. Peat moss will retain water and you want it to drain better. For Sansevieria, you can use about 50% or 60% SIFTED and WASHED perlite, with 40% or 50% C/S soil. I believe it is important to sift the perlite (wear a respirator mask and do it outside and AWAY from the direction of the wind blowing) to get the dust out and to wash it (use an old metal kitchen colander) to get more dust out.

Like someone who posted earlier, I think your Sans are potted to deep in their pots. You can bring the soil mix up to within 1/2" of the pot's rim. You might "top dress" it with small pebbles to keep the perlite from blowing away. Usually, dollar stores have bags of pebbles for $1 each (Dollar Tree does) and those would work. If the roots of your plants are very small, you might use smaller pots.

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Comments (14)

ariel7576 (Puerto Vallarta, Mex.)
8 years ago
They look to be planted very deep in their pots. Do the pots have drain holes?
Cathy Cokley Shilow z8 SC
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, I just got them two years ago. They were doing fine. I moved and they were in a area that didn't have much light so I put them on my well lit back porch. should I move them outside.
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Cathy Cokley Shilow z8 SC
Original Author
8 years ago
should I add more cactus soil?
ariel7576 (Puerto Vallarta, Mex.)
8 years ago
I think people will advise you to amend even cactus soil with 50% (or more perlite or pumice). But I’d not just dump it on top. Hang on a bit & the experts will chime in soon.
Karen S. (7b, NYC)
8 years ago
What makes you think they're dying? What do YOU see as a problem here?
Cathy Cokley Shilow z8 SC
Original Author
8 years ago
One is a little bit shaky and I pulled one out that was dry. I see the roots a little on top. I'll have to purchase more cactus soil. Oh, I do have a large bag of peat moss. Can I amend the soil I already have with the peat moss?
Cathy Cokley Shilow z8 SC
Original Author
8 years ago
So just put washed perlite on top then pebbles on top. it's just one pot that's giving me trouble.
ariel7576 (Puerto Vallarta, Mex.)
8 years ago
No, mix the perlite in.
Cathy Cokley Shilow z8 SC
Original Author
7 years ago
ok. I'll get some and try that. Hope all goes well. I don't want to loose any.

These are in my window at work. can I do the same with them? it has 2 babies coming.
ariel7576 (Puerto Vallarta, Mex.)
7 years ago
I’d say the work ones are overpotted, but with the pups coming up they should fill in. Faster draining soil (added perlite or pumice) is good for them.
Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
7 years ago
Do you have a place to put outside for the summer? I give mine a summer vacation from the house every year and they respond beautifully. Bright shade or partial sun is best.
Cathy Cokley Shilow z8 SC
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes, I can put them under my Hosta tree were they can get some morning sun. When I add the soil mixture I'll leave outside till fall.
Matt z5b - Greenhouse 10a
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
As long as you have potting mix you should be ok. Over potting should not be a problem. It all about the watering, They only need water like three times a month.